Intra-articular Repair of an Isolated Partial Articular-Surface Tear of the Subscapularis Tendon

BackgroundPartial-thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon in the articular surface is common.HypothesisIntra-articular repair of a partial articular-surface tear of the subscapularis tendon will provide a successful outcome.Study DesignCase series; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsA total of 29 shoulders with an isolated partial articular-surface tear of the subscapularis tendon without another rotator cuff lesion were treated with arthroscopic intra-articular repair using suture anchors. Biceps tenodesis was performed in 16 patients. Outcomes were prospectively evaluated at a mean of 27 months (range, 19-41 months) using 3 objective (University of California at Los Angeles, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Index, Simple Shoulder Test) and 2 subjective (pain and function visual analog scales) measurements.ResultsThere were 21 men and 8 women, with a mean age of 54 years (range, 41-65 years). Tear widths were small (1 cm) in 13 shoulders. Twenty-six shoulders had articular cartilage erosion on the adjacent humeral head. Lesions of the biceps tendon were noted in 25 patients (partial tear in 15 shoulders; subluxation in 13 shoulders). Shoulder pain scores improved after surgery (5.0 ± 2.7 to 0.3 ± 0.7, P . 05).ConclusionArthroscopic intra-articular repair of a partial articular-surface tear of the subscapularis tendon is an effective procedure that spares the intact tendon attachment in the bursal surface. Short-term outcomes were reliable by both objective and subjective measurements.